At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) to properly understand the importance of program intent, Youth Protection policies, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is the introductory step in teaching leaders how to fulfill the promise of the outdoor program. Completing it will qualify a Cub Scout leader to lead any den- or pack-level outdoor overnight event. This includes pack overnighters and Webelos den camping.

BALOO training has two components–an online component and a practical, hands-on component. Both components must be completed to qualify as a "BALOO Trained" Cub Scout outdoor leader.

The online component must be completed prior to the practical component. The online training contains introductory and basic information that will be built upon during the practical training.

The practical, hands-on component is a one-and-a-half day course designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies are taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units carry our a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter or Webelos den camping.

Prerequisites

Prior to taking the practical component, the Cub Scout leader must have completed the online component described in this manual. Both components, the online and the practical, must be completed in order to fulfill the "BALOO Trained" status. In the event the online component is not completed prior to the practical, the trained status is withheld until both components are successfully completed.

The online portion is available through the BSA Learn Center. Log onto https://my.scouting.org and select the BSA Learn Center image on the right side of the home page.

Pack Overnighters

These are pack-organized overnight events involving more than one family from a single pack, focused on age-appropriate Cub Scout activities and conducted at council-approved locations (councils use Pack Overnight Campout Site Appraisal Form, No. 420-902). If nonmembers (siblings) participate, the event must be structured accordingly to accommodate them. BSA Health and Safety and Youth Protection policies apply. In most cases, each youth member will be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. In all cases, each youth participant is responsible to a specific adult.

At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed BALOO to properly understand the importance of program intent, Youth Protection policies, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation.

See also

Online or classroom Leader Training

Youth Protection training (YPT) is required for all BSA registered volunteers and must be retaken every two years. Some councils and units may require more frequent (e.g., annual) retaking of YPT). Check with your local council and unit to find out what their policies are.